Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s
Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature
on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit
society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and
fraternity.
The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual
aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through
educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief
works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose
cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has
become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped
families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity
and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service
in communities.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than
14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the
Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas,
the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
